Reid Franklin Holbrook, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away on November 20th surrounded by the love of his family. Born on January 19, 1942, Reid grew up in Kansas City, KS and graduated from Wyandotte High School, where his lifelong love of golf, learning, and adventure truly began. Reid is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lynn; and by two daughters, Ann Johnson (Dan Johnson) and Katie Delzer (John Delzer). He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Grant, Lia, and Julie Johnson, and Gavin and Graham Delzer.
Reid attended the University of Kansas, where he played on the KU Men's Golf Team and was an enthusiastic member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. It was at KU, during their freshman year, that he met Mary Lynn—a partnership that would shape the rest of his life. One of Reid's most treasured college memories was studying abroad in Guanajuato, Mexico, an experience that sparked his passion for travel, culture, and the wider world.
After graduating from KU in 1964 with a degree in Economics, Reid went on to earn his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law, finishing early in 1966, he became one of the youngest judges in the history of the state of Kansas. In 1968 Reid married Mary Lynn. That same year, he completed his National Guard service. The couple lived in Colorado before Reid became a general's aide, a role that brought them to Washington, D.C., where they enjoyed city life and wonderful memories. They later returned to Kansas City to raise their family. Reid established his own law firm and over the course of his distinguished career, he was admitted to practice in Kansas (1967), the District of Columbia, and Missouri (1990), and developed expertise in healthcare law, medical malpractice defense, general litigation, insurance law, and general practice.
A devoted Jayhawk to the core, Reid was a loyal season ticket holder for both KU football and basketball. He cherished traveling to away games and attending Final Fours, collecting memories that he shared often and with great joy. Reid served on the KU Alumni Board from 1996 to 1999 and received recognition for his dedicated service to KU Alumni. He went on to serve as National Chair of KU Alumni from 2000 to 2001. In addition, he was a member of the Kansas Alumni Board of Directors from 1996 to 2005. Reid also served as a member of the Kansas Athletics Board.
Reid had a deep passion for aviation, earning a high-level instrument rating that reflected both his dedication and his skill. Flying wasn't just a hobby for him—it was an avenue for adventure, and he loved sharing that experience with friends and family. A confident and trusted pilot, Reid could slip into the cockpit and navigate with ease to remote destinations—from his friend's ranch in Del Rio, Texas, where Lonesome Dove was filmed, to the far reaches of Maine. For him, no place felt off-limits... except perhaps the flight home from Birmingham after one of the most painful KU losses in history, the 1997 matchup against Arizona.
Golf played a special role throughout Reid's life. As a young athlete, he proudly represented the state of Kansas in high school competition, a journey that took him to Pebble Beach—where he had the extraordinary opportunity to meet golf legend Bobby Jones. Later in life, he returned to Pebble Beach, this time with his daughters Ann and Katie, creating one of his most treasured family memories. Reid was a longtime member of Milburn Country Club, where he loved playing with Ann and Katie during a time when girls' golf was far less common than today. He also enjoyed his membership and playing at Wolf Creek and held a deep affection for both courses.
Reid had a lifelong appreciation for music and film. He counted Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and Patsy Cline among his favorites, and he never tired of classic movies like The Godfather, Gone with the Wind, and the full catalogue of James Bond adventures. His love for travel, culture, and shared experiences enriched the lives of everyone around him.
Reid will be remembered for his sharp mind, his deep integrity, his devotion to family, and his enduring zest for life. He was a husband, father, attorney, pilot, Jayhawk, golfer, and storyteller—but above all, he was deeply loved. Reid cherished the time he spent with his five grandchildren—Grant, Julie, Lia, Gavin, and Graham—who brought immense joy to his life. For nearly 30 years, he also found solace in Tucson, a place of beauty and tranquility that became a cherished retreat for his family.
His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the communities he served, and the countless lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to The Salvation Army, Kansas City, KS.